Le Jozani Forest

In the south of the island, Jozani Forest is a wonder and delight, with tales of Zanzibar leopards, me­dicinal cures and stunning scenery. Currently under consideration to be­come Zanzibar's second World Heri­tage Site, the Jozani-Chkwa Bay area is a hotspot of biodiversity. The for­est is home to a number of endemic species, including the Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey.

Your park ranger will take you on a nature trail, lined with eucalyptus and mahogany trees and explain the medicinal properties of various plants and tell you about the animals, birds and re reptiles that make their home in the various habitats of this tropical rainforest.

Troops of Zanzibar Red Colobus monkeys can be found scrambling from branch to branch, in search of food. The monkeys have become ac­climatised to people and allow you to get close to them to take photographs as they eat, play and jumping from the treetops.

The mangrove boardwalk takes you above the swamp, where, depending on the tide, you can see tropical fish flitting between the mangrove roots and crabs scuttling across the mud. Mangroves play an important role in environmental conservation and as a resource for villagers and commu­nity life. Your ranger will explain the different species found in the swamp and their uses.